West Brom: Chris Lepkowski speculates source of Guochuan Lai £10m payments
Guochuan Lai will be entitled to a bonus fee of £10million for every year West Brom spend in the Premier League should they secure promotion.
That’s according to a report shared by former Birmingham Mail journalist Chris Lepkowski on Saturday, 17 January.
The Baggies announced that Bilkul Football WBA, LLC has reached an agreement for an 87.8 per cent shareholding in WBA Group Limited, which is the parent company of the club.
When asked about the source of the eight-figure bonus payments to Lai, Lepkowski responded on Twitter: “Good question. I don’t know the answer to that. I suspect the owners, but that amount of cash could easily be absorbed from the monies brought in as a PL club.”
The Lai payments are a welcome problem for West Brom?
If the Baggies are to pay the bonus to him, it will mean they are a Premier League side and will have bigger fish to fry.
Lai’s exit surely is viewed as a positive development by fans, signalling the end of a tumultuous era marked by mismanagement and erratic decision-making.
The Chinese businessman’s tenure was marred by a series of errors, including poor recruitment, managerial instability and financial missteps, leading to a decline in the club’s fortunes.
His departure brings a sense of relief and optimism for the future, as supporters hope for a fresh start under new ownership.
However, the revelation of the bonus payments for each year Albion spend in the top flight, despite his role in the club’s decline, raises eyebrows.
This arrangement appears unjustified given Lai’s failures and seems out of step with his contributions to the club.
While fans welcome Lai’s departure, the terms of his exit package, particularly the bonus payments, leave a sour note and prompt questions about accountability and fairness.
In other West Brom news, Sky Sports News have broadcast rare Guochuan Lai footage and shared a ‘Significant’ update on the club’s future post-takeover.
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